Mold spores can travel in the air and latch onto your hair, so it’s important to take steps to get rid of mold in dreads. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different ways to get rid of mold in dreadlocks and prevent it from coming back.
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How to Get Rid of Mold in Dreads?
To get rid of mold in your dreads, it is essential to understand what causes mold in the first place. Typically, mold forms when the environment is damp or moist, and it can grow quickly if the area is not properly ventilated. Common culprits include high humidity levels, poor drainage systems, warm climates, excessive sweating, and improper cleaning practices.
Once you have identified that you have mold in your dreads, there are several steps that you can take to clear it out.
Health and Nutrition Habits
The first step is to check your health and nutrition habits for any potential factors that could be contributing to the growth of mold. For example, if you are drinking too much alcohol or eating foods that are high in sugar or processed carbohydrates, this will give mold an environment where it can thrive. Other lifestyle factors like stress, lack of sleep, and poor personal hygiene can also encourage mold growth.
Chemical-Free Shampoo For Dreadlocks
Next, it is important to address the immediate cleanliness of your dreads by thoroughly washing them with a chemical-free shampoo or detergent that has been formulated specifically for use on dreadlocks. This helps to remove any existing dirt and debris and any dormant Mold spores that may be hiding in your hair shafts during the growth process.
Wet Dreadlocks
Once your dreads are clean, it is important to make sure that they are completely dry before moving on to the next step. If your dreads are wet, this creates a prime environment for mold to grow. To speed up the drying process, you can use a blow dryer in a low or cool setting.
Don’t Tie Your Hair Up When Your Dreadlocks Are Wet
When your hair is wet, the strands are more pliable and can be easily damaged. Therefore, it is best to avoid tying or bundling your dreads while they are still damp, as this can lead to breakage and further mold growth.
Don’t Use Wax On Your Dreadlocks
Wax can also provide a food source for mold, so it is best to avoid using wax on your dreadlocks altogether. If you must use a product that contains wax, make sure to thoroughly remove it from your hair before proceeding with any other treatments.
Apply Tea Tree Oil to Your Dreads
Tea tree oil is a natural anti fungal agent that can be used to treat mold in dreads. Simply mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz your dreads with the mixture. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out with clean water.
You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner to help prevent mold growth in the future.
Lemon Juice For Dreadlocks
Lemon juice is another natural anti fungal agent that can be used to get rid of mold in dreads. Simply mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle and spritz your dreads with the mixture. Leave the solution on for a few minutes before rinsing it out with clean water.
Signs Of Mold In Dreads
Many people who have dreadlocks worry about mold, as it can cause the locks to smell bad and look unappealing. There are a few different things that can cause mold to grow in dreadlocks, including not washing the dreads regularly, not drying the dreads thoroughly after washing, swimming in chlorinated water, and living in a humid climate.
Mold usually appears as small black or white specks on the outside of the dreads, and it can sometimes be hard to spot. If you think you might have mold in your dreadlocks, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist for advice on how to treat it.
Symptoms of mold in these dreadlocks can include discoloration, an unpleasant odor, and an itchy or irritated scalp. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take action and treat your dreads right away.
Methods for getting rid of mold include:
- Washing the hair with antibacterial products.
- Take steps to stay cool and dry when possible.
- Using high-quality seals or other sealing products to keep out moisture.
You can keep your dreadlocks mold-free and look great with the right care and attention!
Do Dreads Smell – How To Keep Dreads From Smelling Bad
Dreadlocks are a popular hairstyle among people of all ages and backgrounds, but one common complaint about dreads is that they can easily start to smell. This problem can be caused by several different factors, including excessive sweating, exposure to humidity, or even a build-up of mildew on the scalp.
To keep dreads from smelling bad, it is important to reduce moisture and humidity levels. You can do this by wearing breathable fabrics that help wick excess sweat away from the skin or using anti-fungal products on the scalp to remove any mildew or odor-causing bacteria.
Another common strategy for preventing dreads from smelling bad is simply regular washing with shampoo and conditioner. Whatever your approach may be, just remember that you can keep your dreadlocks smelling fresh and clean with a little bit of effort and care!
Does Shampoo Kill Mold In The Dreads?
There is a lot of debate around whether shampoo can effectively kill mold in dreads. Some people believe that the harsh chemicals in most shampoos can damage hair, especially hair already prone to tangling and matting. However, there are also those who argue that certain types of shampoo can effectively remove mildew from dreadlocks, as long as they are used in the right way.
Several factors need to be considered when trying to determine whether shampoo can effectively kill mold in dreads. First and foremost, it is important to choose a high-quality shampoo specifically formulated for treating mildew on hair. This type of shampoo will typically contain anti-mildew ingredients like tea tree oil or neem oil, which help eliminate unwanted fungus and bacteria without damaging hair follicles or causing excessive dryness or itchiness.
For any treatment with shampoo to be effective at removing mold from dreads, it is also important to take proper care when applying it. Ideally, you should start by washing your roots with a gentle cleanser and working from the bottom up when massaging the scalp and strands. It may also be helpful to use a clarifying rinse after washing your scalp, as this will help remove any lingering mold spores or residue.
If you follow these steps and use a high-quality shampoo specifically designed for treating mildew on hair, there is a good chance that you will be able to effectively kill mold in your dreads. Just remember to be patient and consistent with your treatment regimen, as it may take several washes before you start to see results.
Read Also: Mold In a Humidifier: 3 Effective Steps to Remove it!
Conclusion
If you are dealing with mold in your dreadlocks, the best course of action is to consult a professional stylist for advice. In addition to providing tips on how to get rid of mold in dreads, a hairstylist can also offer advice on maintaining healthy hair and preventing future problems. Regardless of whether you choose to treat your dreads with special shampoos, antibacterial products, or other methods, taking steps to stay cool and dry will go a long way in keeping your dreads looking great and smelling fresh!

Danny is a passionate writer who loves to share his knowledge about air purifiers. He’s been writing for 10 years, and he’ll share all that experience with Very Well Home viewers to help you make the best decision when it’s time to buy an appliance!